The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has confirmed that efforts are ongoing to bring back 51 fishermen and six trawlers allegedly taken away by the Arakan Army from the Naf River over the past 16 days.
Colonel Mohammad Mohiuddin Ahmed, Sector Commander of BGB Cox’s Bazar, shared the update during a press briefing at the Sector Headquarters in Ramu on Thursday (August 28).
He stated, “Patrolling activities of both BGB and the Coast Guard have been intensified in the Naf River. Armed groups like the Arakan Army will not be able to cross into the Bangladesh side and abduct fishermen.”
Highlighting the volatile situation along the border, Colonel Ahmed noted:
Bangladesh shares a 174-kilometer border with Myanmar, where ongoing ethnic conflicts have caused instability. Despite facing technological, infrastructural, and manpower challenges, we are committed to carrying out our border protection duties.”
The Sector Commander also pointed out the risks faced by BGB personnel:
“While serving on the frontier, we sometimes come under attack and encounter many challenges in the line of duty.”
Addressing the issue of abductions, he added, “At times, fishermen disguise drug smuggling under the cover of fishing. BGB remains determined to crack down on such activities.”
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Courtesy
